One part water, one part sugar, basic simple syrup is a foundational ingredient for drink making. It's easy to make and can be used in various ways to add sweetness and flavor to your favorite drinks and desserts.
For a lengthy overview of what simple syrup is and why you should care about having it on hand, please see my article Simple Syrup For Drinks: The Basics You Need to Know.
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How to make basic simple syrup
To make a basic simple syrup, you need equal parts sugar and water. You can make it on the stovetop method using heat or use a no-heat method (my preference).
Stove Top (Heat) Method:
Combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a saucepan over medium heat. Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool before using. Yes, it is that simple.
No Heat Method:
Combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a small bowl and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
You can also add additional flavors, such as vanilla extract, citrus zest, or fresh herbs to create custom-flavored syrups. By the strict sense of the definition, it will no longer be a true simple syrup, but I'm not a stickler for rules when it comes to tasty food and drinks.
Why you should make simple syrup rather than buying it
Store-bought simple syrup can run anywhere from $3 to $9 per 12-ounce bottle. Yes, you read that right, $9! When you make you're own at home, it can cost as little as $.25 to $.50 per 12 ounces.
If you make your own drinks regularly or frequently host guests, making your own simple syrup can save you hundreds of dollars. To me, that's just crazy.
Where to use simple syrup
Simple Syrup can be used wherever you need a sweetener that has already been dissolved, which is primarily drinks. Keep in mind that a simple syrup isn't just sugar. It's sugar AND water. Thus it's not advisable to add to anything that would suffer from additional liquid, such as whipped cream.
Equipment
Typically, all you need is a small saucepan (for the stovetop/heat method) or bowl (for the no heat method), a mixing spoon, and storage bottles.
Storage Tips
I like to store my simple syrups in either easy-to-use squeeze bottles with an attached cap or decorative glass bottles with a pour spout.
If you want a dispenser bottle that is both glamorous and functional, consider investing in glass bottles that pour nicely. Some glass bottles have a pour spout; others have a bottle stopper pouring spout.
If you search "Syrup Dispenser Bottles Set," you should find some excellent options.
It's important to note that the higher the sugar content, the longer the syrup will last. A 1:1 ratio syrup will last for about a month in the refrigerator, while a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio syrup can last up to six months.
Hosting Tips
If you're hosting a party and presentation matters, I recommend getting gorgeous bottles that are easy to use. You will get several years of use out of high-quality bottles and pour spouts.
Cheers!
Susan
Drinks using simple syrup (or flavored simple syrups):
📖 Recipe
Simple Syrup
Equipment
- Small saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Stovetop (Heat) Method: In a small saucepan heat the sugar and water together, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved. About 2-3 minutes.Remove from heat and allow to cool before transfering to an airtight storage container, such as a glass bottle.
- No Heat Method: In a small bowl the sugar and water together, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved. About 2-3 minutes.Transfer to an airtight storage container, such as a glass bottle, for storage.
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